1. Sultan Middle School Step Up Night Welcome 5 th grade students and parents! We are glad you are here!

2. Objectives  Meet some of the staff members at Sultan Middle School  Meet some of the students at Sultan Middle School  Learn about the transition to middle school  Hear important information from the school nurse  Learn about the AVID program  Take a tour of Sultan Middle School

3. The Transition to Middle School  It is normal for you and your student to be nervous about starting middle school  Parents can greatly influence their student’s level of anxiety by what they say and the way they communicate their feelings about middle school  There are many positive aspects of the transition  Making new friends  More personal and social freedom  Changing classes  Exploratory classes  Concerns about getting lost or finding classes  Knowing the school rules

4. 6 th Grade Class Schedule  Advisory  Language Arts  Math  Ancient Studies  Science  Physical Education/Health  Exploratory  Band, OR  AVID, OR  Exploratory Track: Study Skills, Air Sports, Reader’s Theater, and Spanish

5. Organization  One of the most important skills to prepare students for middle school and beyond  Organizing binders, folders, and backpacks  Teaching your child to use a planner  All 6 th grade students in the Exploratory track will have Study Skills during first quarter

6. Academics  Having more than one teacher is a big change about middle school  Communication with teachers with questions or concerns  Expect to have more homework  Expect more long-term projects  Encourage your student to start early!  Break larger tasks into smaller chunks  Encourage your student to ask for help and ask questions  PowerSchool – Monitor your student’s grades and encourage your child to monitor his/her own grades

7. What Can You Do?  Teach the importance of education  Ask your child about his or her day  Set aside a quiet space and time for your student to study and complete homework  Balance school work and play time  Encourage reading – read together and read aloud  Check your student’s homework daily  Set high but reachable expectations for your child!  Encouragement

8. Parent Involvement  Check PowerSchool!  Maintain a good working relationship with your child’s teachers  Ensure your child attends school daily  Contact the school with any questions  Decades of research show that when parents are involved, students have:  Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates  Better school attendance  Increased motivation  Healthier self-esteem  Lower rates of suspension  Decreased use of drugs and alcohol  Fewer instances of violent behavior  Higher enrollment in postsecondary education

9. Student Safety  We do not tolerate harassment, intimidation, or bullying at Sultan Middle School  Encourage your child to report to a staff member immediately if he or she sees or experiences any problems  Harassment forms available in multiple locations  SafeSchools Alert

10. Transition Activities  Step Up Day!  Ice Cream Social  First day of school  Open house  Skyhawk mentors  Student handbook overview in Advisory during the first and second week of school

11. Deb Shirley, RN School Nurse, SMS & SHS Sultan School District Parent Sultan School District Volunteer

12. Immunization Requirements

13. Health Plans  Health Plans are created for students with potentially Life-Threatening Health Conditions (ie: seizures, diabetes, anaphylaxis, and others) or for students who may need medical treatment and/or accommodations at school for a known health condition.  If your student currently has a plan, I will be getting a copy from Kathy Cramer, the elementary school nurse. I will review those plans, and work with you to update them for the 2013-14 school year.  If your student doesn’t have a plan, but has a medical condition that you would like me to address in a plan, please let me know.

14. Medications at School  All medication at school requires an Authorization Form completed by parent and health care provider  Students may self-carry (with permission from school nurse, parent, & provider) Epinephrine Auto-Injectors and inhalers for asthma. All other medications are kept locked in the office.  Most common diagnoses: asthma, ADD/ADHD, headaches, muscle pain, allergies, etc.

15. Health Room Visits  Students will be sent home for:  Fever > 100° F  Vomiting/Diarrhea  Excessive coughing  Injuries requiring further monitoring or care There are also times students will call you “not feeling well.” We desire students to stay at school when possible, and are willing to work with you to make this happen.

16. Healthy Hints for Success  Get enough sleep (8-11 hrs./night)  Eat breakfast and lunch  Stay hydrated (water bottle)

17. Other Nurse Activities  Vision & Hearing Screening (in 7th grade and at any time by request).  Community resources for vision, dental, & medical needs  Treatment of illness & injury  Staff training My contact information is on the immunization letter you received today.

18. AVID Ms. Boury AVID Teacher 6 th Grade Teacher

19. School Tours  At this time, we will split into groups to get a tour of Sultan Middle School!  Thank you for attending Step Up Night!  Please feel free to contact Sultan Middle School with any questions.  We are excited to get to know you and your student!